Though the cocaine epidemic has slowed since the 1980's, many people still struggle with cocaine and crack addictions. Cocaine is most commonly snorted (inhaled) in "lines", but users can also inject or smoke it. Crack is most commonly smoked, using a crack pipe or by freebasing. Cocaine is a stimulant and an anesthetic. It was traditionally used in dental practices because of its ability to numb the mouth for short periods of time. Cocaine bought on the street may not always be pure and runs the risk of being laced with mystery substances like baking soda.